January 3, 2019

Dear Friend,

As your Representative, it is my priority to make sure your best interests lead to meaningful legislation that will improve quality of life. I am proud of what we have been able to achieve on your behalf in 2018. The economy is stronger than it has been in decades. Tax reform is giving our job creators the ability to re-invest their savings which means more good paying jobs for hardworking Mississippians. Challenges lie ahead in the 116th Congress, but I am committed to working with my colleagues on legislation that will continue to enhance national security and strengthen the economy.

year in review

Committee Action

In February, the House Armed Services Committee discussed the pilot shortage. We listened to testimony from United States Air Force, Air Force Reserve, and Air Force National Guard generals to determine how they are addressing this issue.

Also in February, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue discussed the current state of the rural economy and the agency's 2018 Farm Bill priorities before the House Committee on Agriculture.

Also in February, the House Small Business Committee held a hearing to discuss a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report that identified burdensome banking regulations.

In March, America's military state of readiness was discussed during a joint hearing of the House Armed Services Subcommittees on Readiness and Seapower and Projection Forces.

In April, the House Small Business Subcommittee on Investigations, Oversight, and Regulations held a hearing to discuss ways to help entrepreneurs.

In May, the House Armed Services Committee passed the Fiscal year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act to achieve our goals to rebuild America's military, provide for service members and their families, and take better care of our veterans.

Also in May, as a member of the House Small Business Committee, I appreciated the opportunity to discuss oversight of the Small Business Administration's 7(a) Loan Program on the House floor.

In June, the House Armed Services Committee's Tactical Air and Land Subcommittee and Readiness Subcommittee held hearings to address aviation mishaps. U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, U.S. Air Force, and U.S. Marine Corps officials discussed the significant increase in the number of mishaps, including reported cases of hypoxia experienced by Columbus Air Force Base T-6 Texan II pilots.

Also In June, the House Small Business Committee held a field hearing in Southaven to talk with small business owners to see how their operations are fairing.

Legislative Work

In March, the House passed three pieces of legislation to roll back regulations and provide relief to smaller lending institutions.

In May, the House passed the Right to Try Act which was signed into law by President Trump. This legislation gives terminally ill patients the opportunity to try experimental treatments that may prolong their life.

In June, the House passed the Farm Bill and legislation to combat the opioid crisis.

Also in June, President Trump signed into law the VA Mission Act of 2018. This legislation significantly improves access to healthcare for our veterans - when and where they need it.

In July, the House passed the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2019, equipping our troops with the tools they need to keep America safe.

In August, the National Defense Authorization Act of 2019 was signed into law by President Trump, providing for our troops and including a much-needed pay raise - the biggest our troops have received in a decade.

Led by the House and Senate Agriculture Committees, Congress was able to get the 2018 Farm Bill to President Trump's desk that will help ensure our farmers are protected for the next five years.

December marked the one year anniversary of the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, legislation that has resulted in a booming economy, historic lows in unemployment, and corporate investment on multiple fronts.

Also in December, President Trump signed into law the Frank LoBiondo Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2018. This legislation includes provisions which will help to modernize the U.S. Coast Guard's aging fleet while reducing the number of burdensome regulations that stand in the way of progress. To learn more about the law, please click on the link.

Also in December, I led a House letter to SBA Administrator Linda McMahon, requesting she consider SBA's proposed rule on the Express Loan Programs and Affiliation Standards. This proposed rule would intentionally damage access to capital for many small businesses and farming operations in rural America. I was concerned that the proposed rule would place more obstacles in the path of rural American businesses which would prevent them from growing and creating more jobs.

Fact-Finding Missions

In March, I had the opportunity to tour U.S. Military installations in South Korea and Japan. We met with troops and our allies to discuss our collaborative effort to counter North Korea.

In April, I traveled to Fort Bliss, Texas, to make sure our troops in the Mississippi Army National Guard have the support they need. I met with leaders and members of the Dixie Thunder Brigade. I also met with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officials at the El Paso PDN Port of Entry. Additionally, I discussed border protection with CBP agents who patrol the southwest border at Santa Teresa, New Mexico.

In November, I led a delegation to Uzbekistan, Djibouti, and Kuwait to study the current posture and readiness of U.S. forces. It was an honor to serve the Thanksgiving Day meal to members of the Mississippi Army National Guard 155th Armored Brigade Combat Team.

2018 Highlights from the District

In January, Regions Bank, BancorpSouth Bank, and Renasant Bank announced plans to pass their tax savings along to their employees and the communities they serve. These decisions were all made possible by the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act.

In April, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi announced plans to invest $170 million as they prepare to build the 12th generation Corolla. The company is expanding their workforce with the addition of 400 jobs.

In June, I was honored to speak on the House floor about the life and service of U.S. Army Sergeant Julius McKinney who was listed Missing in Action during the Korean War for decades. His remains were identified this year, bringing closure to this brave young man's family.

In August, Stark Aerospace in Columbus celebrated delivery of their first "Made in Mississippi" Arrow-3 Anti-Missile canister to its parent company Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI). It was an honor to join Governor Phil Bryant, members of the Mississippi Congressional Delegation, and senior officials of the Israeli Ministry of Defense for the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Also in August, our office hosted the 2018 Academy Day in Oxford. It was my pleasure to offer this opportunity to Mississippi's young people who are interested in attending one of America's prestigious military academies.

In November, it was an honor to participate in the Itawamba Community College State of the District Address program. This was an opportunity to celebrate the valuable role community colleges play in workforce development.

In December, President Donald J. Trump visited Tupelo. I enjoyed participating in the ceremony to welcome our Commander-in-Chief to the First District.

Also in December, Amazon announced plans to open a packing and shipping operation in Marshall County, creating 850 jobs.

Throughout the year, we traveled thousands of miles to listen to your thoughts and concerns. It has and will continue to be my top priority to make sure your voice is heard on Capitol Hill.

STAY IN TOUCH

Let me know if there is anything my office can do to assist you. You can keep up with the latest news by signing up for my newsletter and following me on Facebook and Twitter .

Thanks for reading,

Rep. Trent Kelly (MS-01)
Member of Congress